Pumping equipment



April 2s, 1942. w. H. REEvE's 2,280,930

PUMPING EQUIPMENT l Filed Maren 22. 1940 2 sheets-sheet 1 /A/fwm im L m n H. Pif/exs,

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April 2s,- 1942..

PUMPING EQUIPMENT Filed uarch 22, 1940 z sheets-sheet z rro APA/E r( w. H. REEVES 2,280,930

Patented Apr. 28, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT GFFICE `:intorno PUMPING EQUIPMENT `Wiliam nneeves, st. Louis, M0. Application March 22, 1940, Serial No. 325,284 6 claims. (o1. ics-3) The present invention relates generally to pumping apparatus, and more particularly to pumping apparatus for handling sewage and other liquids carrying solids.

` I'Iherefore, an object of the present invention` is to provide a novel pumping apparatus constructed to transfer solid-laden liquids, such as I sewage, and the like, from a source of supply to Ia place of disposal. Another object is to provide a novel pumping apparatus constructed to prevent passage of the larger solids of` solid-laden liquid to the pumping elements, yet which ultimately forces such larger solldslto the general ultimate Another object is to provide a novel pumpingr l "apparatus which successively reverses the ow point of disposal.

path of material being forced from one point to `another upon the occurrence of predetermined circumstances.

Another object is to provide a novelpumping apparatus constructed to simultaneously transfer sewage from source of supply to storage box and transfer sewage from storage boxto place of disposal, thereby permitting continuous runs of long duration. Another object is to provide a novel pumping apparatus for conveying solid-laden liquids from one point to another, which is constructed to bypass larger solids through automatically reversing the ow upon the mined circumstances.

Another object is to provide a novel pumping apparatus which is automatic and eflicient in operatiomand which is adapted to fulfill its func- "tions throughout a long period of service.

Other objects an-d advantages will be apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

`Fig. 1 is a section on the line I-I of Fig. 2, showing a top plan view of the major portion of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2is a section on the line 2-2 of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3 3 of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig.l5 is a section on `the line 5-5 of Fig. 2; and,

Fig. 6 is a plan view of a strainer screen which is one of the elements ofthe present construction.

by reference numerals, I0 indicates generally a pumping apparatus constructed in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. The pumping apparatus I0 is shown located within a concretebox or basin II, which serves a funcoccurrence of predeter-` Referring to the drawings more particularly `22 at the lower i housing 23 of the pump section 2I tiondescribed below. The box II includes a top wall I2, a bottom wall I3, and side walls I4.

A reversible motor I6 is mounted exteriorly of the box II on the tcp wall I2 (Fig. 2) through a suitable support I'I. An elongated rotor shaft I8 extends downwardly into the box II through a housing pipe I 9 which is secured at its upper end to the support I I. Within the box II is a `pump 2U which comprises in superposed relation a rst pump section 2| (Fig. 4) and a second pump section 22 (Fig. 5). The pump section ZI includes a housing 23 and a blade assembly 24, and the pump section 22 includes a housing 25 and a blade assembly 25. The `housing I9 terminates at its l-ower end in an enlarged ange 28 which is secured to the housing 23 of the pump section 2| b-y bolts 29, or the like. The upper side of the housing 25 is secured to the lower side of the housing 23 by a connecting element 30 by suitable bolts 3 I, or the like.

A pipe section 33 leads into the pump section central part of the housing 25. A nozzle 34 leads off from one side of the housing 25. Leading oif from the lower side of the is a nozzle 36, and leading oif from the side of the housing 23 is a nozzle 3l. To the nozzle 36 is connected a pipe bend 38 and a pipe section 39 which leads into the box II.

Above the pump 2u are spaced strainers` 43 and 4I.

\ includes a housing 49 comprising sections 50 and 5I, each of which terminates at one end in a `flange 52. A screen 53 is disposed between the flanges 52 and is secured thereto by bolts 54, or the like.

The free end of the strainer section 43 is secured to a check valve55, which is in turn connected to a Tmember 55 by a pipe bend 51 and a pipe `section 58. Similarly, the free end of the strainer section 50 is connected to a check valve 59, which is in `turn connected to the T-member 56 by a pipe bend Sli and a pipe section 6I. The

stem of the T-member 56 is connected to a place nected to a T-member 65'. Similarly, leading in the^on position with the lever Connecting the free end of the section 44 of y the strainer housing 42 with the pump nozzle 31 are pipe sections 69 andl, and a pipe bend 1I. Similarly, connecting the free end of the section 5I of the strainer casing 49 with the pump nozzle 34 are pipe sections 12 and 13 and a pipe bend 14.

An automatic control for the ratus I is provided. A casing 18 the lower face of the top wall I2 by bolts 11, or the like, and extends to a point beneath the determined lowest liquid level. Within the casing 16 is a float 18 from which extends a oat shaft 19.` The float shaft 18 carries spaced lever throw elements 88 and 8| which are adapted to actuate a `lever 82 of a switch 83, diagrammatically shown. The switch 83 is operativelyconnected by leads 84 to an alternator 85. A reversing motor `starter 88 is connected to the alternator 85 byleads 81, Ato the motor I6 by leads 88, and to a 'source' ofA power by leads 89. rIhe alternator '85, the reversing starter 88 and the leads 84, 81 and 88 are shown diagrammatically, inasmuch as 'these elements per se form no part of the present invention.

Sewage 90, or the like, within the box II ordinarily falls and rises between the extreme low level 9| and the extreme high level 92.

`Operation VLet it beassumed that the level of the sewage v9i] within the box I I is at the maximum level 82, in which case the float 18 will be in the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2, and the lever 82 in the dotted line position with the throw element 8| engaging beneath it. The switch 83 is 82 thus raised. Hence, the motor I6 is rotating in one direction. Rotation of the motor I6 effects rotation of the rotor shaft I8, which in turn rotates the blades 24 ofthe pump section 2| and the blades 26 of the pump section 22. Let it be further assumed that the blades 24 and 28 are rotating in. the

direction of the arrows A on Figs. 4 and 5. Sewage 90 will be drawn into the T-member 65 from the source of supply and thence consecutively through the check valve 84 (Fi-g. l) the arm 53, the section 43, the screen 45, the section 441., the pipe line 89 (Fig. 2) the pipe-bend 1I, the pipe section 18, the nozzle 31, the pump section 2l, the nozzle 38,. the pipe bend 38, and the pipe outlet section 39 into the interior of the box II.

At the same time sewage 90 is being drawn into the box II by the pump section 2|, sewage 90 within the box I I is being forced to the point of sewage disposal by the pump section 22, the sewage 98 entering the pipe section 33 and thereafter consecutively passing throughv the pump section 22, the nozzle 34, the pipe section 13, the pipe bend 14, the pipe section 12, the strainer section 5I, the screen 53, the strainer section 5I), .the vcheck valv-e 58, the pipe bend 50, the pipe section 8|, and out through the stem of the T- member 58 to the aforesaid point of sewage disposal.

During the foregoing passage of sewage 90 intothe box II and out of the box II to a point of disposal, the check valve 55 prevents the return of any sewage 98 being forced by the pump section 2,2 from entering the strainer section 43 pumping appais connected to less than the amount of and thereby being reoiroulated. A small amount 0f sewage 88, of course, lls the pipe section 58 and the pipe bend 59, but the remaining portion passes out through the T-member 55. Similarly, the check valve 61 prevents any of the sewage 88 being forced out of the box II by the pump section 22 from entering the T-member 55 and being recirculated by the pump section 2l.

The screen 45 prevents large solids from passing to the pump section 2l. Hence, gradually the screen 45 will become clogged, so that the amount of liquid and small solids passed to the pump section 2| and into the box I i will become sewage 88 carried by the pump section 22 from the box il to the point of disposal. The level of sewage 98 within the box II will gradually drop until it reaches the predetermined lowest level 9i, in the course of which the throw element 88 throws the switch lever 82 from the dotted line position to the full line position (Fig. 2), breaking the contacts of the switch 83 and stopping the motor I5, since the oat 18 falls with the liquid.

The box II will again gradually fill with sewage 90 due to gravity flow from the source of supply, the gravityv flow being through both channels leading from the T-member 65 into the box II. When the level of the sewage 90 reaches the maximum level 52, the float 18 will vhave been returned to the dotted line position `82 to on position, which energizes the alternator 85 and the starter 85 to start the motor I8 inthe opposite direction.

Upon rotation of the motor i6 and its rotor shaft I8 in the opposite direction, the blades 24 of the pump section 2l and the blades 28 of the pump section 22 are moved in the direction of the arrows B on Figs. 4 and 5. The travel of the sewage 98 will be reverse to that set forth above thangwhen the blades 24 and 28 move in the direction of the arrows A. The pump element 22 draws the sewage 98 into the box II through the T-member 65, whereas the pump section 2| forces sewage 88 from the box II through the T-member 56. 1n this operation, the check valves 59 and (i4 function to prevent recirculation of sewage being forced from the box II by the pump section 2l. In this reverse action, the larger solids lodged against the screen 46 are forced from the screen by the liquid being evacuated from the box II by the pump section 2I and are carried along with it through the T-member 56 to the point of disposal. Meanwhile, the screen 53 functions to stop the passageof larger solids to the pump section 22. As the pumping action continues, the screen 53 will become more clogged with the larger solids, whereupon'the flow into the box II will become less than the flow therefrom. The level of the sewage 90 within the box I I will become less until it again reaches the predetermined lowest level 9|. The above-described action again takes place, the motor I6 being stopped until the sewage level reaches the predetermined highest level 92 by gravity action. The rotation of the motor I6 is reversed and the pump section 2l again assumes the task of drawing sewage S8 into the box II. The clogging of the intake screen or the failure of the source of liquid supply'deter'- mines the length of time of operation in a given direction.

The foregoing cycle is automatically continued Jthroughout the life of' the pumping apparatus `Il). Where generous screens are employed, Vthe operation in a given direction `will be for a considerable period of time. In pumping relatively clean liquid, the operation in one direction will be continuous unless the source of supply fails; The device is of simple and sturdy construction and, therefore, continues to operate over a long period of time Without mechanical difficulties. The pumping apparatus I0, of course, may be disposed outside of the `box Il, it being shown in the present application as located within the box Il for conservation of space,` whichwould `bel one reason for locating it within the box Il. Theseveral elements of the pumping apparatus I are secured together by suitable fastening means, preferably by the bolt and flange construction disclosed, although `other means may be employed. Further, it is appreciated that two separate pump and prime mover units may be employed, and that the pumps may be other than vertically related.

It is apparent that the pumping apparatus I0 fuliills all of the objects and advantages sought therefor. It is to be understood that the foregoing description and accompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and example, and not for purposes of limitation, the invention being limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. Pumping apparatus comprising a iirst pumping means, a second pumping means, each pumping means being designed to pump liquid against a positive head when rotating in one direction andto exhaust liquid to a negative head when rotating in the opposite direction, means for driving saidpumping means rst in one direction and then inthe opposite direction, means con-` necting the first pumping means with a source of solid-laden liquid supply,` means connecting said first pumping means with a point of disposal, means `connecting said first pumping means with a receptacle, means connecting the second pumping meanswith the source of solid-laden liquid supply, means connecting said second pumping means with a point of disposal, means connecting said second pumping means with the receptacle, means to prevent return oi liquid from either disposal-connecting means to either source-connecting means, and means in each of said source-connecting means for preventing the passage of larger solids to the pumping means, said last means also being in a portion of the disposal-connecting means, said pumping means loeing disposed so that one draws liquid from the source into the receptacle while the other forces i liquid from the receptacle to the place of disposal, whereby one solid-blocking means is being cleaned while the other is fulfilling its screening function.

2. Pumping apparatus comprising a iirst pumping means, a second pumping means, each pumping means being designed to pump liquid against a positive head when rotating in one direction andto exhaust liquid to a negative head when rotating in the opposite direction, means for driving said pumping means rst in one direction and then in the opposite direction, means connecting the first pumping means with a source of solid-laden liquid supply, means connecting said rst pumping means with a point of disposal, means connecting the said first pumping means with a receptacle, means connecting the second pumping means with the source of solid-laden liquid supply, means connecting said second pumping means with a point of disposal, means connecting said second pumping means with the source-connecting means, means in each of said source-connecting means for preventing the passage of larger solids to the pumping means, said last means also being in a portion of the disposal-connecting means, said pumping means being disposed so that one draws liquid from the source into the receptacle while the other forces liquid from the receptacle to the place of disposal, whereby one solid-blocking means is being cleaned while the other is fulfilling its screening function, and means for automatically reversing the said driving means.

3. A pumping apparatus comprising two reversible pump sections, one of which is adapted to draw liquid into a receptacle while the other simultaneously forces liquid from the receptacle, reversible driving means connected to said pump sections, means connecting one of said pump sections with a source of liquid supply, means connecting said one pump section with a point of disposal, means connecting said one pump section with a receptacle, means connecting the other pump section with the source of liquid supply, means connecting the other said pump section with the point of disposal, means connecting said other pump section with the receptacle, means in each source-connecting means to prevent recirculation of fluid being ejected from the receptacle, means in each of said source-connecting means for preventing the passage of large solids to the respective pump section, and means for reversing the driving means to reverse the rotation of the pump sections upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions.

4. A reversible pumping apparatus for forcing solid-laden liquid from a source of supply to a point of disposal constructed to prevent the passage of large solids to the pumping mechanism comprising a iirst reversible pump section, a second reversible pump section, a receptacle, means connecting the i-irst pump section with the source of supply, means connecting the rst pump section with the receptacle, means connecting the rst pump section with a point of disposal, means connecting the second pump section with the connecting the second pump section with the re-` ceptacle, means in each of said source-connecting means for preventing the passage of large solids to the respective pump section, means for rotating the pump sections simultaneously to draw liquid into the receptacle from the source of supply by one pump section and to force liquid from the receptacle to the point of disposal by the other pump section, means to prevent recirculation of liquid being ejected from the receptacle, and means for sequentially reversing the direction of rotation of the` pump sections.

5. A reversible pumping apparatus for forcing solid-laden liquid from a source of supply to a point of disposal constructed to prevent the passage of large solids to the pumping mechanism comprising a rst reversible pump section, a second reversible pump section, a receptacle, means connecting the iirst pump section with the source of supply, means connecting the first pump sectton with a point of disposal, means connecting the rst pump section with the receptacle, means connecting the second pump section with the source of supply, means connecting the second pump section with the point of disposal, means connecting the secondA pump section With the receptacle, means in each of said source-connecting means for preventing the passage of large solids to the respective pump sections, means for rotating the pump sections simultaneously to draw liquid into the receptacle from the source of supply by one pump section and to force liquid from the receptacle to the point of disposal by the other pump section, means to prevent recirculation of liquid being ejected from the receptacle, means for sequentially reversing the directionof rotation of the pump sections, and means for reversing the direction of rotation of the ing means with a point of disposal, means connecting said' rst pumping means with a receptacle, means connecting the second pumping means With the source of solid-laden liquid supply, means connecting said second pumping means with a point of disposal, means connecting said second pumping means With the receptacle, means to prevent return of liquid from either disposal-connecting means to either source-connecting means, means for lling the receptacle with liquid from the supply source by gravity through both pumping means and both solid-blocking means When the pumping means are idle, and means in each of said source-connecting means for preventing the passage of larger solids to the pumping means, said last means also being in a portion of the disposalconnecting means, said pumping means being disposed so that one draws liquid from the source into the receptacle While the other forces liquid from the receptacle to the place of disposal, whereby one solid-blocking means is being cleaned While the other is fulfilling its screening function.

WILLIAM H. REEVES. 

